首个敢挑战美国的国家现身：无需美元结算，即便断绝对美贸易

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the gradual decline of the US dollar's dominance in the global monetary system, triggered by the "weaponization of the dollar" during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to a loss of trust in the dollar as a reserve currency [2][4][15]. Group 1: Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict - The freezing of Russia's foreign exchange reserves and exclusion from the SWIFT system served as a significant warning to other nations about the risks of relying solely on the dollar [2][4]. - The event has caused global central bank leaders and finance ministers to question the safety of dollar assets, resulting in a drop in the dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves from over 70% at the beginning of the century to less than 58% by 2024 [4]. Group 2: Shift Towards Alternative Currencies - Countries are increasingly seeking alternatives to the dollar, with actions such as promoting local currency settlements in trade, as seen with Russia's ruble settlement order and direct trade between China and Brazil using their respective currencies [5][7]. - The return to barter-like trade models, exemplified by oil trade agreements between Iran and India, highlights a pragmatic approach to circumventing dollar reliance [9]. Group 3: Changes in Oil Trade Dynamics - The traditional "petrodollar" system is under threat, with reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia is considering accepting payments in yuan, reflecting both economic interests and geopolitical strategies [11]. - Approximately one-fifth of global oil transactions are now conducted in non-dollar currencies, and this trend is expected to continue [11]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - Innovations such as digital currencies and blockchain technology are providing new avenues to bypass the dollar-centric SWIFT system, with countries like Russia and China exploring these options for cross-border payments [13]. - The mBridge project, led by the Bank for International Settlements, facilitates direct cross-border exchanges of central bank digital currencies without the need for dollar intermediaries [13]. Group 5: Future of the Global Monetary System - The trend towards "de-dollarization" does not equate to the complete elimination of the dollar, as its entrenched position in the global financial system remains strong due to its liquidity and widespread acceptance [15]. - The future may see a multipolar currency system where the dollar, yuan, euro, and other regional currencies coexist, marking a shift from the dollar's historical dominance [15].